By: Jay Yeomans

Published: May 31, 2026

With the NBA finals just around the corner, we are just weeks away from one of the deepest NBA drafts in recent memory. Most of that depth comes from a loaded freshman class that has produced some of the most gifted young athletes. While the argument for the top spot has become more clear in some eyes the fit might matter more than the talent. But what I am projecting has nothing to do with fit, I am looking at the players who I think will produce at the highest level throughout their respective NBA careers. With that said, here is my top 10 projected players for the 2026 NBA draft.

10. Nate Ament, 6’10” forward, Tennessee

Before the season started I expected to have Ament in my top 5, but he was far too streaky for my liking. But that doesn’t take away from what he can be at the next level. His ability to get on the offensive boards stands as one of his best attributes. He also has the next level ability to get to the foul line where he attempted eight or more free-throws 19 times.

9. Yaxel Lendeborg, 6’9″ forward, Michigan

The powerfully built, versatile, Michigan forward has all the tools to be plug and play during his rookie season in the league. He is an efficient offensive player who can knock down an outside shot or finish at the cup because of his strength. And while his one season at Michigan saw a drop in his rebounding numbers, he can really get after it on the glass as well.

8. Mikel Brown Jr., 6’5″ guard, Louisville

While back issues interrupted his freshman campaign, Brown has too many tools to get overlooked. The two things that standout the most with his game are his ability to consistently draw fouls to get to the line and space the floor with his smooth 3-point shooting stroke.

7. Keaton Wagler, 6’5″ guard, Illinois

Wagler came out of nowhere to lead a strong Illinois squad to the Final Four. Along the way the he showed off his remarkable outside stroke where he connected on 87 triples. While he also had a solid year as a distributor I really love the way he attacks the offensive glass where he averaged nearly two boards a game.

6. Kingston Flemings, 6’3″ guard, Houston

Two other Houston freshmen were on my radar before the season started but it was Flemings who accomplished the most during his lone year with the Cougars. He also proved to be the most NBA ready. He shot a respectable 38.7 percent from three while connecting on better than 50 percent from inside the arc. But more importantly, I love the pace he plays the game with. He is strong with the ball and has good court vision.

5. Cameron Boozer, 6’8″ forward, Duke

I will no doubt get crushed for my placement of Boozer, but there are just a few other players that I am higher on at this point. It’s hard to argue his production for the Blue Devils however. He dominated the ACC with 23 games with at least 20 points and 22 double-doubles. His freshman year was so accomplished that he deserved every award that he got. My only question is, what is his ceiling in the NBA?

4. Caleb Wilson, 6’9″ forward, North Carolina

It’s difficult to fully put into words the kind of upside that Wilson has. He is a great finisher around the rim who attacks the glass at a high level. While his outside game has something to be desired, I can see him contributing from day 1 as a rim protector, an actice defender and an offensive rebounding force.

3. Darius Acuff Jr., 6’2″ guard, Arkansas

There is just something about John Calipari guards that made me focus on Acuff from very early on this season. He is a high-level scorer from inside and out, can get to the line where he connects on a better than 80 percent clip, and loves to share the basketball. I see strong similarities to Nuggets guard, Jamal Murray, who is one of my favorite players.

2. Darryn Peterson, 6’5″ guard, Kansas

Peterson is another in the long line of three-level scorers in this draft. He is a shot creator who has the ability to score in bunches. With that said, I can’t put him at the top of my list because of his low assist numbers, his1-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio and questions that linger from playing less that 30 minutes ten different times.

1. AJ Dybantsa, 6’9″ forward, BYU

Dybantsa has a game that is ready made for the NBA. He is an attacking wing who can finish at the rim thanks to tremendous bounce and athleticism. He also has no problem playing through contact and getting to the foul line where he recorded at least eight attempts a staggering 21 times. His most underrated asset in my eyes is his ability to distribute the ball. He only handed out 3.7 assists per game, but consistantly made the right pass and found open shooters.